Summer means sunshine, fresh air, and finding fun things to do with your kids. If you’re searching for free summer events for families near Iowa City, Coralville, or Cedar Rapids, you’re in the right place.

This season, The Iowa Children’s Museum team is heading out into the community with free, hands-on activities for kids at parks, libraries, and local events across Eastern Iowa. From pop-up play experiences to interactive learning activities, we’re bringing the Power of Play beyond our walls and into the places families already love to gather.

Join us as we turn sidewalks into creative spaces, green spaces into discovery zones, and everyday outings into chances for kids to imagine, create, discover, and explore.

ICM2GO: FREE FUN IN THE PARK

ICM2Go is our summer outreach program, offering free pop-up opportunities to play at North Ridge Park in Coralville (just a short walk from the museum!)

Museum educators will offer hands-on activities, creative challenges, and plenty of opportunities for kids to take the lead on fun. Stop by, say hi, and start playing. No registration required! 

View All ICM2Go Events Here

All Summer Outreach Events

In addition to our museum events, you can find our team throughout Eastern Iowa at libraries, parks, community events, and so much more. Come play!

WHERE TO FIND US IN JUNE

• June 1 – Coralville Public Library Summer Kickoff (Coralville)
• June 3 – Marengo Public Library (Marengo)
• June 6 – ABC Saturday: Arts Fest (Downtown Iowa City)
• June 11 – East Dubuque District Library (Dubuque)
• June 13 –  Ballet Des Moines Summer STEM Tour: Brucemore (Cedar Rapids) 
• June 14 – Programming 101 with The Iowa Children’s Museum: Indian Creek Nature Center  (Cedar Rapids) 
• June 22 – ICM2Go in North Ridge Park with Toadally Awesome Pets (Coralville)
• June 25 – Party in the Park: Fairmeadows Park (Iowa City)
• June 26 – Slow & Steady Storytime: Old MacDonald’s Farm (Cedar Rapids)
• June 27 – Downtown Iowa City Block Party (Iowa City)

WHERE TO FIND US IN JULY

• July 6 – ICM2Go in North Ridge Park (Coralville)
• July 7 – How-to Tuesday: Iowa City Public Library (Iowa City)
• July 9 – Party in the Park: Calder Park (Iowa City)
• July 10 – Rollin’ Rec Signature Stops: Green Square Park (Cedar Rapids)
• July 11 – Monarch Festival: Indian Creek Nature Center (Cedar Rapids) 
• July 16 – Collins Aerospace Community STEM Day (Cedar Rapids)
• July 20 – ICM2Go in North Ridge Park (Coralville)
• July 27 – Cole Public Library (Mount Vernon)

WHERE TO FIND US IN AUGUST

• August 3 – ICM2Go in North Ridge Park with the Coralville Fire Department (Coralville)
• August 4 – National Night Out: Wetherby Park (Iowa City)
• August 7 – Rock the Chalk (Iowa City)
• August 8 – 5th Street Social (Coralville)
• August 14 – Rollin’ Rec Signature Stops: Green Square Park (Cedar Rapids)
• August 23 – IC Optimist Pancake Breakfast: Iowa City Municipal Airport (Iowa City)
• August 27 – Grinnell Agriculture Festival (Grinnell)

SUMMER CAMPS

Looking for more ways to keep your child engaged and having fun this summer? Our summer camps are packed with big ideas, creative experiments, and plenty of chances to build, design, and explore. From messy art to hands-on STEM challenges, every camp is designed to keep curious kids engaged and excited.

Spaces go quickly and registration is required. Visit our camps page to learn more!